Andy Murray ranks more grand slam victories his top priority

Andy Murray added the Wimbledon title to his US Open crown (Picture: Getty)

Andy Murray had managed to snatch a precious hour’s sleep before finding himself back at the scene of his ultimate triumph – blurry of eye, but obviously a man very much at peace with himself.

After attending the Champions’ Dinner late into the night, duty called again for the new Wimbledon champion – a lengthy series of media interviews reflecting on his triumph, and looking at what’s next for the first Briton to capture the men’s singles title at the All England Club for 77 years.

The 26-year-old is not one to naturally revel in the spotlight but he knew on this, of all mornings, he would be required to look back on his momentous straight-sets victory over Novak Djokovic, which finally lay to rest the nation’s annual quest for a successor to Fred Perry as the last home men’s winner in 1936.

But if it was mission accomplished in SW19, the world No.2 acknowledged there could be no easing off now.

Soon it will be back to the hard graft, under the insatiable demands of coach Ivan Lendl, who will expect him to defend next month’s US Open title and return for a repeat performance at Wimbledon next year.

In the meantime, Djokovic still sits at the top of the rankings although, for Murray, landing more major titles is a clear priority.

‘Right now I hold two slams, the Olympic gold and I made the final of another slam and I’m still nowhere near No.1,’ he said.

‘The goal for me is to try and win the grand slams and not worry too much about the ranking. You are more remembered for the slams you win. I would rather win one more slam than get to No.1.

‘The No.1 ranking is a great achievement but if I had to pick one I would try to win another slam, try to defend my US Open title.’

Murray freely admits the influence of Lendl but was quick to salute his other coaches.

‘I’ve had a lot of really good people coach me – Darren Cahill, Alex Corretja, Mark Petchey, Miles Maclagan, Brad Gilbert – top quality, knowledgeable people and I wouldn’t want to say it was just down to Ivan,’ he said.

Andy Murray is hoping to defend his US Open title next month (Picture: Getty)

‘I know Ivan has said he is not content with how the last 18 months have gone. He will think I could have won the Australian Open this year and will want to get me ready for the US Open and train me hard over in Miami.

‘He loved winning and had that consistency, getting to eight US Open finals. I hope having him in my corner will help out a lot.’

Murray is off now for a deserved holiday. But not for long. The hunger is still there, he says, and any US Open rivals hoping the defending champion will be ripe for the picking at Flushing Meadows should think again.